The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda

Rarely in a lifetime does a new spiritual classic appear that has the power to change people's lives and transform future generations. This is such a book. The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda shares the profound insights of Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, as remembered by one of his few remaining direct disciples, Swami Kriyananda.

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Rarely in a lifetime does a new spiritual classic appear that has the power to change people's lives and transform future generations. This is such a book. The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda shares the profound insights of Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, as remembered by one of his few remaining direct disciples, Swami Kriyananda.

This revelation of India's best-loved scripture approaches it from an entirely fresh perspective, showing its deep allegorical meaning as well as its down-to-earth practicality. The themes presented are universal: how to achieve victory in life in union with the divine; how to prepare for life's "final exam", death, and what happens afterward; and how to triumph over all pain and suffering.

The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita is an excellent read for anyone trying to understand more deeply the Bhagavad Gita and Hindu teachings in general. The elaborate explanations of each passage help one to understand not only the original context of the script, but how it compares with other scriptures (i..e. the New Testament) and how it can be applied in daily life. While the text is not quite as elaborate as the original translation done by Paramahansa Yogananda (published by SRF in hardcover only), it seems to contain the essence of Yogananda’s translation and, as this is the only version of Yogananda’s translation in audio format, it is a definite must read. If you were intrigued by “Autobiography of a Yogi” this is definitely a great next read. I am glad that Swami Kriyananda and Ananda’s publishing team at “Crystal Clarity Publishers” are bringing so many great works to Audible. A note on the book; this can be somewhat more deep than Autobiography so it is not a book you can simply zone out to while doing other tasks. While there was a bit of repetition on key points, it can be very easy to miss a valuable topic if you are distracted. All in all it was an excellent read, well worth the credit. I am already placing an order for another of Swami Kriyananda’s books.

I was merely looking for an overview as to what the Bhagvad Gita was... instead, I found myself immersed into a conversation that concerns the finer details of the book. I also ended up with a lot of opinion and speculations about other religions - This is not what I was after.

So, if you want to be bathed in the personal opinions and teachings of Swami Kriyananda's, then this is a winner. If you are merely looking for a general, greater understanding, it may be best to look else where.

I've read the Gita in several different translations and interpretations. Profound and rare this particular one is a wonderful work of pure spirit and intuitive completeness. Even in its long 20 hours listening to it only once is impossible.

I am a Christian but always looking to have a deeper more meaningful spiritual life. I believe that great light and truth can be found in many forms of religious thought. In fact this book gave me many new insights into my own New Testament and the teachings of Christ. The reader at first seemed too soft spoken, but found that it fit the subject matter very well and was fine once I got used to it.

I listen to this book as i drive to and from work and other places. It has had an amazing influence, helping to restore my attention to its best places and attitudes. It also has helped tremendously in sorting out some particular practical matters i have been pondering lately about my path of spiritual growth.

There seem to be a few errors in the audio book--an entire segment beginning around 4 hours and 43 minutes or so is definitely repeated--but then, none of this is anything that doesn't bear repeating anyway. This book is both enjoyable and edifying to me.

I can not say enough about J. Donald Walters.
His life long mission to emulate his spiritual master is magnetic, and magnificently revealed in this volume. Every time I listen to it on my way home from teaching a class of sixth through eighth grade special education students I feel spiritually revived.

Did not like so many things about it. Geeta is about a beautiful message give to mankind by God but the author focuses more on his Guru's accomplishments and on trying to please audience of various religions (perhaps because they have a foundation and they are promoting it through this book). the author and Geeta emphasizes on leaving the ego. there is no "I". yet at one point the author claims his Guru was Arjuna and his Guru was Krishna in previous incarnations. I see a big "I" there. If you are seeking just Geeta, this book is not for you. I rather like "Geeta - a walkthrough for Westerns" by Jack Hawley. read it couple of months. though I am Indian and a Hindu but still Jack Hawley's book delivered undiluted Geeta.

Where does The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best versions of Gita i have heard. Actually very practical, informative and inspiring.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Arash

Southampton, United Kingdom

4/14/13

Overall

"Refreshing"

This books shows one of the clear contrasts between the abrahamic and eastern faith in the role and nature of good. There is no mention of the angry and vengeful god but the predominant focus is on a form of pseudoscientific explanation for the soul and it's interaction with the body. A nice read for any enthusiast in religion.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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